November
November is another busy month. Class Photos are on Tuesday, November 10. Full Winter Uniforms only please. Wednesday, November 11 are Individual Photos. Full Winter Uniforms or Dress Clothes only please. Pumpkin Bread Baking will be on Wednesday, November 18. The Fourth Grade will be in charge of the Thanksgiving Liturgy and it will be on Wednesday, November 25 at 10:30am. The First Trimester ends on Monday, November 30. The Photo Album has been updated with pictures from students taking weather measurements, doing work in the lab with orbits and revolutions, the Planet Walk and Halloween. If you haven't already done so, please email Mr. Sheng for Photo Album access (ssheng@waldronmercy.org)
In Science, we just finished the Solar System and students are working on a PowerPoint slide to present to the Second Graders in the Spring. We move onto Rock and Minerals, then Volcanoes and Earthquakes. In Social Studies, we're learning about the government, and in my opinion (this is Mr. Sheng writing this) it is the most difficult chapter in the whole book, so we'll be taking our time going over this chapter. After Chapter 5, we move into the Northeast Census Region.
The story of Moses is what we have been all about in Religion. The students created Moses on the mountain or in the desert and made the Ten Commandments. We have been watching videos that tell the story in cartoon form - lots of fun and informative too! Mrs. Lynskey even helped the students make a timeline of the major events in Moses' life. Now we are ready to begin our chapter which focuses on keeping promises. We took some time out to learn about All Saints Day and All Souls Day, and we will be writing our own Thanksgiving blessing.
Math is multiplication! We kicked off our study of multiplication with Halloween's Math Madness Day - five different stations of multiplication activities. We're practicing multiplying with one and two digit numbers, and we will be learning the "tricks" (patterns) that make it easier. Mrs. Scott sent a multiplication rap, and our Math Sites list is filled with games. Then we will be off to division with one digit.
It's hard to believe that we're approaching the end of the first trimester! The children are completing the first theme in reading, and will soon begin reading their fourth novel. I have been very pleased with the progress the fourth graders are making in Language Arts in such a short period of time. We have been concentrating on grammar and improving handwriting skills.The children continue to become more independent, and are developing an enjoyment for reading. In the weeks to come we will be doing a few in school projects connected with the novels we have read so far. The children are doing a fine job, and enjoying their accomplishments.
Thanks so much for all your support. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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September/October
Can you believe that almost a month has already gone by? Time flies in Fourth Grade and the students are adjusting quite nicely. Thank you for signing the Homework Notebook every night, it helps with communication.
Homecoming is coming up on October 17 and in the WMA weekly, there is information about a 3rd/4th grade intramural soccer game. Fall Clubs begin on Monday, October 19, so check out the WMA weekly for the clubs. The Respect Life Prayer Service is at the Motherhouse Chapel at 2:00PM. There is an Open House for Parents of Prospective Students on Sunday, October 25, and the Halloween Assembly and Parade is at 2:00PM on Friday, October 30.
The Fourth Grade Photo Album has been released. If you want access to the album, which has pictures from the Walkathon, the Fourth Graders meeting their Pre-K buddies, the Density Lab, and starting work on the State and Territory Project, please email Mr. Sheng (ssheng@waldronmercy.org) to request access.
In Social Studies, the students are starting work on the State and Territory Project, so your child may be asking for your assistance to call/email the Tourism office of their state. The students can show you the link. Chapters 1 & 2 are under their belt, so we'll be working on Chapters 3 and 4 this month.
In Science, the students learned about the states and properties of Matter. We're now working on Weather. Up next will be the Solar System.
It's hard to believe that we're well into the month of October. The children have been acclimating nicely to
the routine of fourth grade language arts. They are getting stronger at remembering their books, and organizing
their work load. We have completed the first two stories of theme 1 in our reading series. The Weekly Skills
Tests have been given, and the class did a wonderful job! They're using the test taking strategies that I've
suggested along with careful checking after finishing the test. Please continue to review the daily planner to
be aware that all of the assignments are completed. Also, parents are required to sign the planner DAILY.
Thanks so much for your continued support. The children are off to a great start.
In Math, the students have just finished chapter one on place value and rounding. We used play money to practice counting and making change. We have now moved on to chapter two and have practiced adding large numbers by doing our addition problems with sidewalk chalk on the driveway.
In Religion, we have learned about the Bible, finding citations in the Bible, the Story of Creation, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Rachel Carson. Now we are ready to talk about giving thanks and Eucharist. We will be making a church, and drawing the people invited to Jesus' table.